Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
(868 reviews)
Price: $485.00
In Stock
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
Item # 474-1
Our Price: $485.00
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- Reviews (868)
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Roadmaster Base Plates - 474-1
- Removable Drawbars
- Roadmaster
- Hitch Pin Attachment
The crossbar-style hidden brackets attach to your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar. The visible portions of the brackets can be removed when you are not towing.
Features:
- Hidden bracket design - drawbars are easily removable via 2 pins
- Improved aesthetics compared with standard brackets
- Computer-cut, all-steel construction provides exceptional strength
- Black powder coat finish is durable and corrosion resistant
- Simple installation - no welding required
- Custom base plates ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle
- Compatible with Roadmaster tow bars with use of quick-disconnect crossbar (910021-00 - sold separately)
- Instructions and mounting hardware included
- Made in the USA
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
The square drawbars, or front arms, on the crossbar-style base plate kit are simple to mount and remove, easily securing with hitch pins. Once the drawbars have been removed, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible. On most automobiles, the brackets are mounted within the grille, where they remain not only unseen, but protected from scrapes and scuffs as well.
474-1 Road Master XL Base Plate Kit
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2001 - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
- 2001 - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Customer Satisfaction Score:
91% were satisfied with this product
9% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
Customer Reviews
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms - 474-1
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (868 Customer Reviews)
The crossbar-style hidden brackets attach to your vehicle's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar. The visible portions of the brackets can be removed when you are not towing.by: Gordon01/04/2015
Roadmaster
Good information and prompt shipping.
Base plate is solid and install and use instructions are excellent.
Be warned that product install is drill two holes and install 3 bolts, BUT the entire front panel has to be removed and replaced. Not difficult, but time-consuming.
Seat bracket is solid and install and use instructions are excellent.
Brakemaster kit is good quality, but instructions are not as good as most Roadmaster products. Instructions for air line install are especially weak.
Comments
Great with no problems. Connect and disconnect very quick and easy. Thanks.
Gordon - 01/08/2016by: Larry06/29/2018
I had some difficulties installing it , but in all it went well. We have used it on several trips and it works just wonderful.
by: carl h12/30/2016
2003 Ford Explorer
shipping was great installation was as described works great
by: Glyn L03/22/2015
2005 Ford Explorer-Sport-Trac
I have not installed it yet but will in the near future.
by: Ernie12/25/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Item arrived earlier than predicted after viewing a very complete tracking system. The information was very clear and precise. Good job! I am 75 years of age and installed the baseplate myself. Only a couple of minor issues. One pin would not insert. Welding blob in the way. Filed it smooth and problem solved. The video was excellent but was a bit different in that it showed a different method o rear bolt installation, however the instructions on paper showed the correct way. Reinstalling the front clip had presented some difficulty. I suggest really watching the inner fender position relative to the front clip before removal. All said all went well. The finished look is great, (see pictures). Great product!
Comments
Worked well, towed truck all summer.
Ernie - 12/25/2022by: Barri11/24/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Base plate 1910 install on 1999 Landrover disco 2
the base plate arrived fast (as does everything I have ordered from etrailer). It was a bit bent on arrival but Becky sorted me out and offered to replace it but it was easy to bend back (with a 3lb hammer).
The included instructions were great for removing the bumper but nor much else. Possibly because my Landy is a 1999 disco 2 and the pictures were of a 2002.
I have included some pictures of stuff I wish I had known. Firstly I had to loose the recovery loop on the driver side as the base plate would not fit over it. The chassis frame has steel tubes inside the bolt holes so the amount of drilling is minimal (I ordered a drill bit that they suggested but in all honesty could have opened up the holes with a file easily).
You need to oval out the aluminum crush cans before you replce them or the new bolts will not go through. The center mount bolt just needs the plastic mount for the center screw on the scoop cut out and there is a bog square hole on the top of the member (thats why you need to big square piece of steel on the top of the center bolt)
Mine was obscured by the torsion bar so I ended up dropping it to drill out the hole and get the bolt in straight.
It was easy to bolt up to the frame once everything was prepped and do yourself a favour and buy loctite red for the bolts - you don't want to be going in there again.
The bumper template was a good start but I had to reshape mine a lot particularly as the hole on the baseplate ended up halfway through the bumper and I had to do a lot of enlargement at the bottom to attach the safety wires.
The photos should make more sense of some of my description
by: Kevin 12/29/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Arrived a day early and well packaged. Included everything needed for a clean and easy install, down to electrical connectors and zip ties. The included instructions were very clear for a variety of wiring conditions. Umbilical cord looks to be of high quality.
Comments
One year down the road and still not a single issue. 5 minute attachdetach let’s me easily separate the Tracker and drive through the RV park with no toad following.
Kevin - 12/30/2022by: Tim04/23/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Fairly easy to install base plate. Left all bolts / nuts loose, slid tow bar in to align while tightening up. Ready for motorhome.
Comments
Absolutely no issues to date. Great product
Tim - 04/24/2022by: MEC02/22/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Very rugged kit with excellent instructions. A DIYer with medium mechanical skills can install. Involved removing the front bumper which was not difficult. Value for the price is very good. As always, etrailer support was also very good.
Comments
Rock solid
MEC - 02/22/2022by: Raymond02/22/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
These components are heavy duty. I have pulled my Jeep many thousands of miles over many road conditions. I am currently planning a coast to coast rv trip and will be towing my Jeep.
Comments
We pulled our Jeep for three months though 26 states from California.
Raymond - 02/23/2022Product arrived quickly packaged well and order was complete. Components are strong and durable. Towed Jeep over 11,000 miles since purchase without any problems.
Raymond - 02/23/2022by: Brad10/28/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Super nice people at etrailer. I wasn’t sure exactly what I needed and they helped me pick out the best hitch for me.
by: Randall 11/17/2022
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Aligment with the Roadmaster Crosbar is slightly off, requiring a bit of muscle and manipulation to attach it. However, once assembled on the car it is rock solid and near bullet proof. Tow anywhere!
by: Jacques10/24/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Purchased for my 2003 Mazda Miata. So simple to tow behind my motorhome. I used a professional to install as I am not super handy. I think it took them a couple of hours to install and they did a great job. I feel very safe with this product and would highly recommend it.
Comments
Great! A hard to find product for a 2003 Mazda Miata. You guys had it in stock and got it to me in a timely manner.
Jacques - 10/25/2022by: Stephanie 12/19/2022
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Great product. Been thousands of miles all over the country and hit has performed perfectly. It does hold water after rain, so be sure to empty the water out of the tubing to prevent rust.
by: J.C. Randall07/23/2018
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
This base plate was installed on a 2008 Kia Spectra. The bracket is strong and not really hard to work with HOWEVER,,,,,,,,,, I am used to the BlueOx base plate which is much easier to "hook up". Unfortunately, BlueOx did not make a base plate to fit my vehicle. That is not a big problem as I'm usually not in any hurry and it only takes maybe 5 minutes longer to "hook up".
The biggest problem with the RoadMaster base plate is that due to the way it is bolted to the frame, it only allows for a 6-inch ground clearance on the front of the vehicle. I have to be very careful with any "dips" in the road, especially on cross streets. Six inches may not sound like much but since the tires are several feet behind the base plate, it reduces that ground clearance greatly. It also will not clear the concrete "stop blocks" in front of many parking spaces.
If you are not very careful and keep this in mind, you may likely bend the frame of your car when you come to one of these sudden impacts. I haven't bent anything yet but it has certainly been shocking when it hits. Most of the time, the impact will cause the base plate to scrape and lift the car to the height to clear the obstacle.
I've attached a picture with a ruler in the view.
Comments
Other than the clearance of the mounting bracket I noted in my original review, the base plate worked out fine on the Kia. I ended up replacing the Kia with a new Subaru. I was able to buy a Blue Ox base plate for it and all mounting hardware is up and out of the way of obstacles.
J.C. R - 07/24/2019by: Chris09/30/2022
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
I ordered the parts from your site as a combo. When they came in, two parts didn’t fit together. When I called to ask why, I was told they weren’t compatible and I would need another type of bar. I was told that most people don’t use that style and use a quick release. I asked if could return it as wasn’t installed just opened from the box and I could see that they wouldn’t fit. My request was denied. So I wanted to order the adapter that was needed, but was told it would be two weeks. I was a week out from a 50 day cross country trip, so I found it on [online vendor] and it was there in two days.
by: Rodney09/18/2022
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Easy to install. Working great so far
by: Ralph06/14/2019
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
I just got done with the installation. Overall it was fairly straightforward, however it would have been nice if they had included pictures in the instructions. The larger bolts in the kit could have a more beveled tip like the factory bolts. This would make it much easier to get the bolts started in the holes. The photo attached is of the factory bolt for reference.
Shipping was very quick, only took a few days.
Price seems pretty high for these base plates. I purchased them for $360 and was even able to find a 5% off coupon online by using google.
by: Alan01/16/2021
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
No problem installing.
Comments
No problems, works great
Alan - 01/17/2022by: Gary 08/06/2022
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Easy to install. Included instructions difficult to understand. Online video 100%accurate. Perfect fit.
by: Stephen12/05/2019
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Great product, shipping was FAST. Instructions were adequate, but minimum - this was not surprising, you have to know how to bend wrenches to install something like this yourself.
I had a factory-installed tow hook on each side that had to be uninstalled, but once you remove the front bumper shroud it is easy to remove and all the bolts are easy to remove. Once the hook was out of the way, easy-peasy!
Comments
Works fantastic! Install was relatively easy, I made adapter plates for my Husky tow bar. Nice!
Stephen - 12/07/2020by: Myles D01/26/2019
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Great product,installation took about 3 hours,instructions were good,go step by step.works well with the roadmaster falcon tow bar.
Comments
In the photo that shows the vehicle hitched to the motorhome, it looks like the towbar is fairly out of level. If the towbar is more than 3 inches +/- of level, its recommended that a high/low adapter be used as the towbar could bind. If you use the link Ive provided below, you can see the different high/low adapters we offer.
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Mike L - 01/26/2019Accessories and Parts Hitch Adapter Roadmaster
by: Roger 09/28/2022
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Fast free shipping, Allison was very helpful and knew exactly what I needed for my 01 Jeep Cherokee. Took about three hours to complete the installation, great product and great customer service.
by: Kevin05/07/2022
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
Bought a '95 Sidekick on Craigs years ago - told it had a RV tow system on it, but never saw it...
Now retired and wanting to use the Kick as a toad, researching Roadmasters awesome document library, I quickly learned that this was the system that was installed prior to our purchase of the rig...
Bought this and it was true 'Plug n play' as all of the holes were already there...
Using a awseome Roadmaster tow bar system too!
Can't endorse this company more than this!!!
by: Dana 10/11/2022
Review from a similar XL in Base Plates
All the parts I ordered fit perfectly with no modifications to my 2020 Toyota 4Runner. The info Etrailer has with the part description, Q+A and pictures was very helpful to help me make the best decision on my purchase.
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Base Plates
- Can Front Mounted Hitch Receiver on 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Be Used With Tow Bar?The Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" # 65030 is a fit for your 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, but it is not a way to safely tow your vehicle. You will need to use a base plate kit like the Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 474-1 for example. I've linked the page to all your options to assist but a front mounted receiver can't be used in conjunction with a base plate.
view full answer... - Crossbar options and Neutral Tow ConnectorThe crossbar does not come with the Roadmaster # 474-1 Base Plate Kit. A tow bar that connects with the 474-1 base plates is the Roadmaster # RM-520 "Falcon-2" tow bar which has a cross bar built in. We do not carry the Ford Neutral Towing Kit and do not believe it is made anymore. I would find a solution for that before other flat tow purchases.
view full answer... - What do I need to Flat Tow A 2001 Ford Explorer in the Least Expensive MannerI am not sure if you will have to disconnect the drive shaft. This varies from vehicle to vehicle and drive line packages within that vehicle. Consult the Explorer Owner Manual to see what will be involved in flat towing your Explorer. The least expensive flat tow route I would recommend is using the Roadmaster Tracker Tow bar, part # RM-020. You will also need base plates that attach to the frame of the Explorer and provide a mounting location for the tow bar. Roadmaster XL Base Plates,...
view full answer... - Parts Needed To Dinghy Tow 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Behind RVYou will want to consult your owners manual to see what is involved when you flat tow your 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The items needed to flat-tow are base plates, a tow bar, safety chains, lighting for your Explorer, and most states now require a supplemental brake system. For the base plates I recommend the Roadmaster Base Plates, part # 474-1. When you are not towing, you can remove the visible part of the brackets from the Explorer, making the system almost invisible. I then...
view full answer... - Can a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac be Flat Towed Behind a Motorhome Using Factory D-RingsWe have some D-rings mounted on shanks but none that will fit a 1-1/2 inch opening. I wish I had better news for you. But actually those D-rings would not be for towing your 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. They are for vehicle recovery (like if you went off-roading and got stuck). If you wanted to tow the vehicle behind a motorhome or another vehicle you will need to install base plates such as # 474-1 and use a compatible tow bar such as the Falcon All-Terrain # RM-522 with safety cables...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2002 Ford Explorer with Roadmaster Stowmaster Tow BarFor your 2002 Ford Explorer you would first need to start with a base plate kit to allow it to be flat towed with the Stowmaster part # Rm-501. For that you would want part # 480-1 for if it is not a Sport model. Or part # 474-1 for if you do have a Sport model. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will...
view full answer... - Flat Towing Setup Recommendation for a 2005 Ford Explorer Sport TracYou have a tow bar now, the # RM-067 is just a component of the tow bar you currently have, and now you need a base plate kit for your vehicle as well as everything else needed to flat tow. For a base plate kit you would need the part # 474-1. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting you can use the bulb and socket kit, # RM-155, and not have to worry about cutting and splicing into the vehicle wiring. And finally,...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2005 Ford Explorer Sport TracFor your 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac we have the Roadmaster base plate kit part # 474-1 which is a confirmed fit. It does not attach to the stock tow brackets though. Since your vehicle is a 2005 that means there will be some frame drilling to install this kit. Check out the attached install instructions for more info on that. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2002 Ford Explorer Sport TracI took a look at the online owner's manual for a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, and it what it said was that only rear-wheel drive options can be flat towed, and if going over 35 mph and/or 50 miles in distance, to do this you must disconnect the driveshaft. Having said that, I highly recommend checking with Ford to see if anything has changed since the owner's manual was released to verify any type of compatibility as they would be the ones with the final say. If you do find that your...
view full answer... - Are Blue Ox Base Plates With Removable Tabs Available for a 2004 Ford Explorer Sport TracThe Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX2166, is the only Blue Ox base plate kit that is available for your 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, but it does not have removable tabs. You may be interested in the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit, # 474-1. This base plate kit includes removable draw bars and is compatible with all Roadmaster tow bars. You could also get the Roadmaster to Blue Ox Adapter, # RM-033, to use the Roadmaster base plate kit with Blue Ox tow bars. If you were looking for any other...
view full answer...
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Updated by:
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